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1st Steps In The Hunt: A Free Online Daily for Online Job Hunters

Money isn't Everything

December 02, 2002

Too often Jobhunters only compare Job offers by what the bottom line pay is, and forget to consider the entire package of benefits. Signing bonuses can really cloud the issue when you compare offers from two companies - cash in hand almost always feels better than vague promises of less tangible benefits somewhere 'down the road'.

These benefits may include:

Health (Medical, Dental, Child Care, Life Insurance, health club membership)

Vacation Days

Sick Days

Work Week (Hrs/week, Schedule, Flextime)

Pension Contributions

Company Vehicle

Training

Career Advancement Potential

When you really think about it, the sum of these parts can add up to more than the whole paycheck. Working in a Job that doesn't give you the time and opportunity to increase your skills or advance your career any can be more costly than you realize. Say you choose to work for one year at a $17/hr Job that does nothing to further your career, rather than at a $15/hr Job that teaches you relevant skills in your field.

At the end of six months you receive a $4/hr raise at Job #2, and at the end of one year you've earned the same amount of money as with the first Job. The difference is you have more marketable skills, are on a higher income track, and Employers will look at you as one of their 'star' performers. It doesn't matter whether you are performing your tasks at a higher level. What matters is that your Employer (and future Employers and Recruiters) will see you as ambitious, self-starting, a 'go-getter', etc.

Perception is always more important than reality, because the latter is impossible to pinpoint.

In addition to your career and skills advancement, the Quality of your workplace is frequently overlooked when comparing Job offers. Does your new Boss seem like someone you can get along with? Is there any historical evidence from current Employees that this Supervisor will be supportive to your career, and to you during high stress periods? Is the company culture one that you'll feel comfortable working in? Are your future colleagues backslappers or backstabbers?

And while small businesses and startup companies may offer stock options and easy opportunities for promotion, they are as likely to send you a friendly email one morning that says, "Clear out your desk. You're fired. We're out of business. Oh, have a good day!" During wartime, in the military, fast promotions are a sure sign that your side is losing the battle. There are some parallels to startup companies, so watch your step.